Introduction to Configuration PDF

4. Introduction to Configuration In this chapter you will learn To make configuration changes to a computer The importance of BIOS and UEFI BIOS How to replace a motherboard battery What system resources are and how to view/change them Basics steps needed to ins...

4. Introduction to Configuration In this chapter you will learn To make configuration changes to a computer The importance of BIOS and UEFI BIOS How to replace a motherboard battery What system resources are and how to view/change them Basics steps needed to install, configure, and verify common peripheral devices and USB/FireWire cards To troubleshoot configuration and device issues CompTIA Exam Objectives What CompTIA A+ exam objectives are covered in this chapter? 901-1.1 Given a scenario, configure settings and use BIOS/UEFI tools on a PC. 901-1.2 Explain the importance of motherboard components, their purpose, and properties. 901-1.4 Install and configure PC expansion cards. 901.1.6 Install various types of CPUs and apply the appropriate cooling methods. 901-4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, and power with appropriate tools. 902-4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot PC operating system problems with appropriate tools. Configuration Overview Installing and configuring the motherboard, the processor, RAM, or other devices can involve using the system BIOS Setup program or the operating system. The system Setup program enables you to configure the motherboard, power, and devices. It also enables you to set performance options. BIOS Overview The basic input/output system (BIOS) is an important motherboard component that is commonly soldered to the motherboard, as seen in Figure 4.1. The BIOS has the following functions: Holds and executes power-on self-test (POST)—a program that identifies, tests, and initializes basic hardware components. Holds a basic routine called a bootstrap program that locates an operating system and launches it, allowing the operating system to then control the system. Holds Setup, which is a program that allows settings related to the display, date/time, processor, memory, and drives to be viewed and managed. Other names used for Setup include BIOS Setup, System Setup, and CMOS Setup. Turns control over to an adapter’s onboard BIOS so that the card can initialize during the computer boot process.  FIGURE 4.1 Motherboard BIOS POST performs basic tests of individual hardware components, such as the motherboard, RAM modules, keyboard, optical drive, and hard drive. When a computer is turned on with the power switch, BIOS executes POST. An indication that POST is running is that the lights on the keyboard momentarily flash on and then off, or you will see the hard drive or optical drive light momentarily flash. Turning the computer on with the power switch is known as a cold boot. Users perform a cold boot every time they power on their computer. A technician performs a cold boot when troubleshooting a computer and needs POST to execute. BIOS can be configured to reduce the time and number of devices checked by POST. In contrast, a warm boot is when you restart the computer. Restart a Windows computer with a traditional desktop by clicking on the Start button > right arrow adjacent to the lock button and select Restart or press , select the Up arrow in bottom right corner, and choose Restart from the menu. On Windows 8 you can press the to access Settings (or move the pointer to the far right corner) > Power > Restart. Warm booting causes any changes that have been made to take effect without putting as much strain on the computer as a cold boot does. A warm boot does not execute POST. When assembling, troubleshooting, or repairing a computer, a technician must go into a Setup program to configure the system. The Setup program is held in BIOS, and through the Setup program, you can see and possibly configure such things as how much RAM is in the computer, the type and number of drives installed, where the computer looks for its boot files, the current date and time, and so on. An error message is displayed if the information in the Setup program fails to match the hardware or if a specific device does not work properly. Tech Tip: Using Setup to disable integrated ports and connectors Motherboards include connectors for hard drives, optical drives, and so on. If any of these connectors fails, you can disable it through Setup and obtain a replacement adapter just as you would if an integrated port fails.  There are two main ways to configure your system or an adapter: through the Setup program held in system BIOS and through the operating system. Let’s examine the Setup program first. Tech Tip: How to access Setup The key or keys used to access Setup are normally displayed briefly during the boot process. Otherwise, look in the motherboard documentation for the proper keystroke(s) to use. The Setup Program Computers have Setup software built into the system BIOS chip on the motherboard that you can access with specific keystrokes determined by the BIOS manufacturer. During the boot process, most computers display a message stating which keystroke(s) will launch the Setup program. The message shown is usually in one of the four screen corners. See Figure 4.2. The keystroke can be one or more keys pressed during startup, such as the , , , , , or keys. Another key combination is some other key. FIGURE 4.2 Setup keystrokes Tech Tip: Accessing BIOS Setup in Windows 8 and Windows 10 To access BIOS Setup through Windows 8, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click > Settings > Change PC Settings > Update and recovery > Recovery > Restart now button under Advanced startup > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart > App Menu > Setup. To access BIOS Setup in Windows 10, click Notification Area > Action Center > All Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. Flash BIOS Flash BIOS is the most common type of BIOS; it allows changing the BIOS without installing a new chip or chips. Common computer BIOS manufacturers include AMI (American Megatrends, Inc.), Phoenix, Byosoft (Nanjing Byosoft Co., Ltd), and Insyde Software. Many computer companies customize their own BIOS chips or subcontract with one of these companies to customize them. To determine the current BIOS version, you can do one of the following: Watch the computer screen as it boots. Note that you might be able to press the Pause/Break key. Enter BIOS Setup using a particular keystroke during the boot process. From within Windows 8 or 10, access BIOS Setup. A lab at the end of the chapter demonstrates this process. An upgrade of the BIOS normally involves removing all BIOS settings stored in CMOS and the BIOS software. Some manufacturers provide utilities that enable you to save the current CMOS settings before upgrading the BIOS. Two things should be done before upgrading the flash BIOS if possible: back up current CMOS settings and back up the current BIOS. UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), and sometimes known as simply EFI, is the interface between the operating system and firmware, which can be the traditional BIOS, or UEFI can replace the BIOS. The traditional BIOS has roots in the original PC; the BIOS always checks for certain things, such as a keyboard, before allowing the system to boot. A traditional BIOS made configuring kiosks and other touch screen technologies difficult. UEFI fixed these issues. With UEFI, you can boot into the environment (which includes configuration parameters), but unlike the original BIOS environment, you can use your mouse and possibly do some of the following (depending on the manufacturer): connect to the Internet, run applications, run a virus scan, have a GUI environment, execute utilities, or perform a backup or a restore—a lot more configuration options and in a much easier-to- use environment. Figure 4.3 shows an example of such an environment.  FIGURE 4.3 Sample UEFI main menu Many manufacturers have moved to the UEFI type of BIOS for the following reasons: It is a graphical environment that provides mouse support. It enables you to have a virus-scanning utility that is not operating system-dependent. It offers more BIOS software that is not just configuration screens. It offers optional Internet access for troubleshooting or download capabilities. It offers better system support for cooling, voltage levels, performance, and security. It provides support for increased hard drive capacities and ability to divide the hard drive into sections that did not have the limitations found with the traditional BIOS. It commonly has monitoring data (temperature, voltage, CPU speed, bus speed, and fan speed) prominently displayed. It can have a boot manager instead of relying on a boot sector. See Chapter 7 for more information on a GUID partition table (GPT) and boot sector. From the UEFI BIOS main menu, there might be icons you can use to access utilities or more advanced configurations. Figure 4.4 shows the type of menu options you might see if you had clicked on the Advanced button from the main menu. Other manufacturers might have these category icons available from the main menu.  FIGURE 4.4 Sample UEFI advanced menu UEFI/BIOS Configuration Settings UEFI/BIOS options vary according to manufacturer, but many options are similar. Table 4.1 shows some common settings and briefly explains each. Most Setup programs have help that can be accessed from within the Setup program to explain the purpose of each option. Note that the highlighted items are on the CompTIA A+ Certification.  TABLE 4.1 Common Setup options Tech Tip: Boots from wrong device If the computer tries or even boots from the wrong device, change the Boot Sequence setting in UEFI/BIOS. Examples of boot devices include USB, hard drive, optical, or PXE (network boot or image). You might have also left an optical disc in the drive or a non-bootable USB drive attached and that is the first boot option currently selected.  Figure 4.5 shows a sample UEFI BIOS screen where you can set the administrator or user BIOS password. Note that this is not a Windows or corporate network password. FIGURE 4.5 Password security menu You must save your changes whenever you make configuration changes. Incorrectly saving the changes is a common mistake. The options available when exiting BIOS depend on the model of BIOS being used. Table 4.2 lists sample BIOS exit options. TABLE 4.2 Sample configuration change options Tech Tip: Settings for CPU installations When installing a processor, two BIOS settings can be important: CPU bus frequency and bus frequency multiple. The CPU bus frequency setting allows the motherboard to run at a specific speed. This speed is the external rate at which data travels outside the processor. The bus frequency multiple enables the motherboard to recognize the internal processor speed. CMOS Memory Settings changed in system BIOS are recorded and stored in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) found in the motherboard chipset (south bridge or I/O controller hub). CMOS is memory that requires a small amount of power, provided by a small coin-sized lithium battery when the system is powered off. The memory holds the settings configured through BIOS. Part of the BIOS software routine checks CMOS for information about what components are supposed to be installed. These components are then tested as part of the POST routine. POST knows what hardware is supposed to be in the computer by obtaining the settings from CMOS. If the settings do not match, an error occurs. When working on a computer with a POST error code, ensure that the user or another technician has not changed the configuration through the Setup program or removed or installed any hardware without changing the Setup program or updating the operating system. Correct system Setup information is crucial for proper PC operation. Tech Tip: Incorrect Setup information causes POST errors If you incorrectly input configuration information, POST error codes or error messages that would normally indicate a hardware problem appear. The information inside CMOS memory can be kept there for several years, using a small coin-sized lithium battery known as the CMOS battery. When the battery dies, all configuration information in CMOS is lost and must be re-entered or relearned after the battery is replaced. Motherboard Battery The most common CMOS battery used today is a CR2032 lithium battery, which is about the size of a nickel. Figure 4.6 shows a photo of a lithium battery installed on a motherboard. If you cannot find the motherboard battery, refer to the motherboard or computer documentation for the exact location.  FIGURE 4.6 Motherboard battery Tech Tip: Date and/or time loss A first indication that a battery is failing is the loss of the date or time on the computer. No battery lasts forever. High temperatures and powering devices that use batteries on and off shorten a battery’s life span. Computer motherboard batteries last three to eight years. Today, batteries last longer, and people replace their computers more frequently; therefore, replacing batteries is not the issue it once was. Tech Tip: Using a battery recycling program Many states have environmental regulations regarding battery disposal. Many companies also have battery recycling programs. The earth911.com website has information regarding recycling and disposing of batteries and computer components by zip code or city/state. Flashing the BIOS The flash BIOS can be upgraded. The term used for this process is “flashing the BIOS.” A computer may need a BIOS upgrade for a variety of reasons, including the following: To provide support for new or upgraded hardware such as a processor or a faster USB port To provide support for a higher-capacity hard drive For increased virus protection For optional password protection To solve problems with the current version To provide a security patch To reduce the time a computer takes to boot Viruses can infect the flash BIOS, so you should keep the BIOS write-protected until you need to update it. Refer to the computer or motherboard documentation to find the exact procedure for removing the write protection and updating the flash BIOS. The following procedure is one example of flashing the BIOS. Step 1. After the system BIOS upgrade is downloaded from the Internet, execute the update. Step 2. Follow the directions on the screen or from the manufacturer. Step 3. Reboot the computer. At times, you might need to reset the BIOS and might come across the need to change a jumper. A jumper is a small piece of plastic that fits over pins. A jumper can be used to enable or disable a particular feature, such as resetting the system Setup settings or write-protecting the BIOS. Figure 4.7 shows an enlarged jumper; the pins and jumper are much smaller in real life than what is shown. FIGURE 4.7 JP1 jumper block with pins 1 and 2 jumpered together If flashing a laptop BIOS, ensure the laptop battery is fully charged or connect the laptop to AC power. If the BIOS is downloaded (and not saved locally), connect the laptop to a wired network to do the download to ensure connectivity during the download process. See Chapter 14 for how to connect a device to a wired network.  Table 4.3 contains some of the methods used to recover a BIOS. Keep in mind that not all vendors provide a method of recovering a BIOS if a flash update does not go well. A computer without an operational BIOS cannot boot and a new motherboard must be purchased. For this reason, you should have a good reason for flashing the BIOS and research the method the motherboard uses before flashing the BIOS. TABLE 4.3 Flash BIOS recovery methods Clearing CMOS Sometimes BIOS Setup settings get all messed up and some folks would like to start over. Resetting all BIOS settings to factory default is clearing the CMOS, which can be done as a UEFI/BIOS menu option, a motherboard switch, a motherboard push button, or a back panel (where the ports are located) push button. Clearing the CMOS is not the same as flashing the BIOS. One specific CMOS setting that is sometimes cleared is the power-on password. Look at the computer or motherboard documentation for the exact procedure to remove the power-on password. Some motherboards distinguish between supervisor and user passwords. Another possible security option is whether a password is needed every time the computer boots or only when someone tries to enter the Setup program. The options available in Setup and Advanced Setup are machine-dependent due to the different BIOS chips and the different chipsets installed on the motherboard. Figure 4.8 shows a jumper that is used only to reset the power-on password. If all else fails, you can try removing and then replacing the motherboard battery, but then all saved BIOS settings stored in CMOS would be reset. Not all power-on passwords can be reset this way.  FIGURE 4.8 A CMOS password jumper Tech Tip: Don’t clear CMOS after a BIOS update Do not clear the CMOS immediately after upgrading the BIOS. Power down the system and then power it back on before clearing CMOS data. Other Configuration Parameters Other possible parameters contained and set via the Setup program or operating system are interrupt requests (IRQs), input/output (I/O) addresses, direct memory access (DMA) channels, and memory addresses. These parameters are assigned to individual adapters and ports, such as disk controllers, and the USB, serial, parallel, and mouse ports. Sometimes these ports must be disabled through Setup in order for other devices or adapter ports to work. No matter how the parameters are assigned, collectively they are known as system resources. These are not the same system resources that we refer to when we discuss Windows operating systems. Let’s take a look at three important system resources: IRQs, I/O addresses, and memory addresses. Table 4.4 lists brief descriptions of these. TABLE 4.4 System resources IRQ Imagine being in a room of 20 students when 4 students want the teacher’s attention. If all 4 students talk at once, the teacher is overloaded and unable to respond to the 4 individuals’ needs. Instead, the teacher needs an orderly process of acknowledging each request, prioritizing the requests (which student is first), and then answering each question. The same thing happens when multiple devices want the attention of the CPU. For example, which device gets to go first if a key on the PS/2 keyboard is pressed and the PS/2 mouse is moved simultaneously? The answer lies in what interrupt request numbers are assigned to the keyboard and the mouse. Every device requests permission to do something by interrupting the processor (which is similar to a student raising his hand). The CPU has a priority system to handle such situations. Tech Tip: How IRQs are assigned to multiple-device ports Ports such as USB and FireWire that support multiple devices require only one interrupt per port. For example, a single USB port can support up to 127 devices but needs only one IRQ. PCI/PCIe Interrupts When a PC first boots, the operating system discovers what AGP, PCI, and PCIe adapters and devices are present and the system resources each one needs. The operating system allocates resources such as an interrupt to the adapter/device. If the adapter or device has a ROM or flash BIOS chip installed that contains software that initializes and/or controls the device, the software is allowed to execute during the boot process. PCI/PCIe devices use interrupts called INTA, INTB, INTC, INTD, and so on. These interrupts are commonly referred to as PCI interrupts. Some motherboard documentation uses the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 to replace the letters A, B, C, and D. Devices that use these interrupts are allowed to share them as necessary. Tech Tip: What to do when a conflict occurs If you suspect a resource conflict with a card, reboot the computer. The BIOS and operating system will try to work things out. This may take multiple reboots. If an adapter is installed, move it to another slot. PCI interrupts are normally assigned dynamically to the USB, PCI, PCIe, and SATA devices as the interrupts are needed. When an adapter needs an interrupt, the operating system finds an available interrupt (which may be currently used by another device that does not need it) and allows the requesting device to use it. During the boot process, the system BIOS configures adapters. Windows examines the resources assigned by the BIOS and uses those resources when communicating with a piece of hardware. Table 4.5 shows an example of how a motherboard might make PCI IRQ assignments.  TABLE 4.5 Sample PCI/PCIe interrupt assignments Starting with PCI version 2.2 and continuing on with PCIe, an adapter can use a different type of interrupt method called MSI or MSI-X. Message signaled interrupt (MSI) allows an interrupt to be delivered to the CPU using software and memory space. MSI-X supports more interrupts. This method was optional with PCI, but PCIe cards are required to support MSI and MSI-X. Tech Tip: How to get to a command prompt To get to a command prompt in Windows, type command from the Search textbox. Review Labs 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 for locating the Search textbox. Interrupts for integrated ports and some devices can be set through a system’s Setup program. Other adapter and device interrupts are set by using Device Manager in Windows or using various Control Panels. Device Manager is an important tool for a technician to know how to use because it shows the status of installed hardware. Figure 4.9 shows the various methods used to access Device Manager.  FIGURE 4.9 Methods used to access Device Manager Figure 4.10 shows how IRQs appear in Device Manager > View > Resources by type. In Figure 4.10, notice that some interrupts have multiple entries. Multiple entries do not always indicate a resource conflict. They are allowed because devices may share IRQs. The next section goes into more detail on this issue.  FIGURE 4.10 IRQs in Device Manager In order to access specifics in Device Manager, use the View > Devices by Type option. Expand any specific section such as Network adapters. Right-click on a particular device or adapter and select Properties. Figure 4.11 shows an integrated network card’s properties that cannot be changed through Device Manager as denoted by the Change Setting button being grayed out. (However, properties might be able to be modified through the system BIOS Setup program.)  FIGURE 4.11 Resources tab in Device Manager I/O (Input/Output) Addresses An I/O address, otherwise known as an input/output address or port address, enables a device and a processor to exchange data. An I/O address is like a mailbox number; it must be unique, or the postal worker gets confused. The device places data (mail) in the box for the CPU to pick up. The processor delivers the data to the appropriate device through the same I/O address (mailbox number). I/O addresses are simply addresses for the processor to distinguish among the devices with which it communicates. Remember that you cannot deliver mail without an address. Tech Tip: When is an I/O address needed? Remember that every device must have a separate I/O address. Otherwise, the CPU cannot distinguish between installed devices. I/O addresses are shown in hexadecimal format (base 16), from 0000 to FFFF. Some outputs are shown with eight positions, such as 00000000 to FFFFFFFF. Hexadecimal numbers are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 just as the decimal numbers we use, but hexadecimal numbers also include the letters A, B, C, D, E, and F. Table 4.6 shows decimal numbers 0 through 15 and their hexadecimal and binary equivalents.  TABLE 4.6 Decimal, binary, and hexadecimal numbers An example of an I/O address is 390h. Normally, devices need more than one hexadecimal address location. The number of extra addresses depends on the individual device and what business it does with the processor. In manuals or documentation for a device or an adapter, a technician might see just one I/O address listed. I/O addresses can be set for some devices and ports through the BIOS system Setup program, Device Manager, or through various Windows Control Panels. Memory Addresses A memory address is a unique address assigned to memory chips installed anywhere in the system. The memory address is used by the CPU when it accesses information inside the chip. Memory addresses are shown as a range of hexadecimal addresses in Device Manager, as seen in Figure 4.12. Exercises at the end of the chapter help to identify IRQs, I/O addresses, and memory addresses for various devices and operating systems.  FIGURE 4.12 Memory addresses in Device Manager Tech Tip: An IEEE 1394 port uses the same system resources to access any devices attached to the same port If one or more FireWire devices connect to a FireWire port (integrated or on an adapter), the devices use the same system resources that are assigned to the port. Hardware Configuration Overview Configuration of adapters and other hardware is easy if you follow the documentation and know how to obtain device drivers. Documentation for installation is frequently available through the Internet, as are many device drivers. Device drivers are also provided as part of the Windows update process. The system BIOS plays an important role as part of the startup routine. Not only does it check hardware for errors as part of POST, but it also detects installed adapters and devices. The BIOS, along with the operating system, determines what resources to assign to a device or adapter. This information is stored in a part of CMOS known as the Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) area. After information is configured in the ESCD area, the information stays there and does not have to be recomputed unless another device is added. After resources are allocated, the BIOS looks in the saved settings of CMOS to determine which device it should look to first for an operating system. This part of the BIOS routine is known as the bootstrap loader. If BIOS cannot locate an operating system in the first location specified in the saved settings, it tries the second device and continues on, looking to each device specified in the saved settings for an operating system. Keep in mind that once an operating system is found, the operating system loads.  Tech Tip: What to do if a new adapter is not recognized by the system Plug and play (and sometimes a configuration utility supplied with a device) is used to configure system resources. Sometimes, a reboot is required for the changes to take effect. If the device does not work after the reboot, reboot the computer again (and possibly a third time) to allow the operating system to sort out the system resources. You can manually make changes if this does not work. Installing Drivers When installing hardware or an adapter in the Windows environment, a driver is required. Remember that a driver is software that allows the operating system to control hardware. The operating system detects the adapter or hardware installation and adds the device’s configuration information to the registry. The registry is a central database in Windows that holds hardware information and other data. All software applications access the registry for configuration information instead of going to the adapter. Windows comes with many drivers for common devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, and displays. Here are some processes used to install a driver: For a standard keyboard or mouse, Windows commonly includes the driver. When the device is attached, the driver loads and the device configuration is added to the registry. Windows updates include updated device drivers. To determine if the latest Windows Vista, 7, or 8 updates are installed, search for and open the Windows Update Control Panel. Select the link to check for updates. Windows 10 does not have such a link. You might be prompted to install or search for the driver as part of the installation process. You may have to designate where the driver is located such as on a CD that comes with the hardware. You might also be required to download it and designate where the downloaded file is located. Use Device Manager to install a driver. Open Device Manager > expand the relevant particular hardware category > locate the device and right-click on it > Update Driver Software as shown in Figure 4.13.  FIGURE 4.13 Update Driver Software option in Device Manager Use Windows Explorer (Windows Vista or 7) or File Explorer (Windows 8 or 10) to locate an executable file that comes with the hardware. Double-click on the Setup file provided to install software and/or a driver. Use the Add a device (in Windows Vista, 7, or 8) or Add devices (in Windows 10) link. Use the Add Hardware Wizard by typing hdwwiz in the Windows Start Search (Vista), Search programs and files (7), Search (8), or Search the web and Windows (10) textbox. Installing a USB Device To install a USB device, perform the following steps: Step 1. Power on the computer. Step 2. Optionally, install the USB device’s software. Note that some manufacturers require that software and/or device drivers be installed before the USB device is attached. Step 3. Optionally, power on the device. Not all USB devices have external power adapters or a power button because they receive power from the USB bus. Step 4. Locate a USB port on the rear or front of the computer or on a USB hub. Plug the USB device into a free port. The operating system normally detects the USB device and loads the device driver. You may have to browse to the driver. Step 5. Verify installation in Device Manager. Refer back to Figure 4.13 and notice that the USB